Town looks to 2013 as flood clean-up continues

Published:13:47Monday 31 December 2012

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local residents and Aberdeenshire Council have been hard at work clearing up the damage and mess left by flooding which hit the town on December 23. The community came together and worked hard to ensure Stonehaven was ready to welcome in the New Year.

Following the flooding, there was some discussion as to whether the annual fireball event should take place, however local residents all agreed that the event should go ahead, with money collected on the night going to those affected by the floods.

As the Leader went to print on Hogmanay, Stonehaven was a hive of activity as it got ready to welcome thousands of visitors to celebrate the New Year with Open Air in the Square and the annual Fireballs ceremony set to take place.

Prior to the events, Council teams were able to reactivate street-lighting in the area of the areas of the High Street and Dunnottar Avenue.

Temporary skips were removed from the key town streets, and owners of flooded vehicles who have not yet contacted their insurers are urged to do so as soon as possible so that removal of vehicles can be arranged.

A flood advice centre, operated by the Scottish Flood Forum, has been set up at Aberdeenshire Council’s housing office in Allardice Street, Stonehaven.

It will be open from 10am and 2pm on Thursday, January 3, and from 9.30am until 4pm every Monday for the next two months.

As clear-up efforts continue, supplies for those affected by flooding can be collected at Stonehaven Town Hall, while furniture is available from a temporary store in Cowie Lane during daylight hours. Please contact 01569 668242 or email satra@talktalk.net before attending.

Details of a flood relief fund will be released in due course.

Aberdeenshire Council is in the process of gathering evidence on the sources of the recent flooding and is appealing for any local images of flood waters taken in the early hours of Sunday, December 23.

In particular, any images of water flowing from the Woods of Dunnottar, Braehead or Bervie Braes areas of Stonehaven would be helpful. Images can be sent to roads@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

All those undertaking or supporting flood clear-up efforts are advised to take sensible precautions. Basic hygiene measures are considered to be appropriate:

Residents are also reminded to follow basic fire safety precautions, making sure that boilers are properly serviced before use, candles are properly secured and portable heaters kept well away from flammable materials.